What to Do If Your Child Gets Lost in the Subway? Our Scary Experience

Sunday morning, around 7:30, we headed out to church on the subway, feeling light and cheerful.

At Sanlin East Station, we took the escalator down to the platform. I was in front, with my wife and two kids about ten steps behind. The train had already arrived, doors open. So I hurried up, saying “Quick, the subway’s here.” Just seconds after stepping inside, the warning beeps “dingdingding” sounded. My wife, holding our five-year-old son’s hand, rushed in right behind. But our 10-year-old daughter, just a step behind them, saw the doors closing. I tried (dangerous, but for the kids, I didn’t care) to hold the doors open a bit longer, but she was a bit scared and didn’t dare come in. The doors shut. Just like that, our daughter was separated from us.

With the train doors closed, we couldn’t communicate. As the train started moving, I gestured to my daughter to stay where she was — pointed down with my finger 👇. But I was really unsure if she understood.

On the way to the next station, I was anxious and scared. There were few people around so early, but what if something went wrong? I prayed silently, asking God to keep her safe. During this time, I was a bit irritable with my wife (not really blaming her; it wasn’t her fault), but luckily, we kept calm. At the next stop, we quickly switched trains to get back to Sanlin East Station.

Just before reaching the station, my wife got a call. Instantly, I guessed it was from our daughter. Sure enough, it was. Turns out she had gone to the service desk, borrowed a phone, and called her mom. What a relief.

I ran to the service desk and saw her red eyes from a distance. She must have been scared. My wife and I each gave her a hug.

Quite a nerve-wracking experience. Thank God our daughter stayed safe. Also grateful this happened during the early hours with fewer people (I can’t imagine during rush hour) and that she was able to find the staff, borrow a phone, and call us, importantly, remembering her mom’s number (though she dialed wrong once). We’d never actually told our kids what to do if they got separated from us on the subway (which is also why I’m writing this, to share with other parents). I believe it was God’s protection. Thank God.

After our daughter’s emotions calmed, we asked her to talk about her thoughts and actions at the time. Her brother listened too, in hopes he’d learn a thing or two. Finally, we as a family concluded what to do if separated in the subway:

1. Remember parents’ phone numbers (we do make our kids memorize our numbers regularly);
2. If separated, either wait where you are or go to the service desk and find the staff. Initially, I thought giving “two meeting options” was adding complexity, so we decided: go to the service desk (or have staff take you there).
3. Always believe: Mom and Dad will come back to find you.

In conclusion, I have a key takeaway from this incident:

1. When moving as a family, Dad should always walk at the back. Never leave the kids and go ahead.
2. Adults and kids get on the train together.
3. Never rush to squeeze into the closing doors.

Parents, find a few minutes to talk to your kids about this topic. Being prepared really helps. Feel free to share this in your circles to let more people see it (Yes, this sounds like an ad… but it’s important!).